Finance News Australia

Top story · Business · 22 Oct 2026

Kimberley 1GW data centre and 6.7GW renewables precinct worth $41 billion referred for federal environmental review

A proposed off-grid renewable energy precinct in the Kimberley that includes a 1GW data centre and 6.7GW of generation capacity, valued at $41 billion, has been formally referred for federal environmental assessment. The referral begins the project’s assessment under national environment law and marks a significant step for the large-scale regional development.

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Markets · 21 Oct 2026

France risks a fiscal ‘doom loop’ as bond yields spike and politics frays

France is confronting rising borrowing costs, deep political uncertainty and street unrest that together threaten a self‑reinforcing fiscal crisis. With government debt near 120% of GDP and interest payments set to exceed €90 billion next year, investors and voters are pulling in opposite directions, leaving centrist leaders squeezed ahead of a crucial presidential vote.

Small business · 21 Oct 2026

Omakase chef sacked over drinking at work awarded $11,753.84 after Fair Work ruling

A head chef who drank while working at a high‑end Sydney omakase restaurant has been awarded $11,753.84 after the Fair Work Commission found his dismissal harsh and procedurally unfair. The decision highlights risks for small hospitality businesses using informal pay and employment arrangements.

ASX · 21 Oct 2026

ASX steadies after RBA warnings; NextDC collapses and banks lead gains

The ASX finished marginally higher after a volatile session, buoyed by bank strength but hit by a sharp sell-off in data centre operator NextDC. RBA deputy governor warnings about a worsening inflation outlook pushed traders to price a higher chance of a November rate move, lifting expectations of earlier further hikes.

Business · 21 Oct 2026

Manhattan Gold’s maiden Hook Lake campaign uncovers high-grade gold and a new polymetallic front

Manhattan Gold’s first-ever drilling at Hook Lake in Nunavut has returned multiple high-grade gold intercepts at its Jaws prospect and a substantial copper–gold–zinc–silver hit at a new Spectre target, expanding the project’s potential to a multi-kilometre discovery. The 25-hole, 4,592-metre program has extended known mineralisation and left key assays pending as the company plans further testing and an expanded 2027 season.

Business · 21 Oct 2026

On bail and facing charges, Ben Roberts‑Smith mounts media blitz with 150‑minute 2GB interview and new clothing brand

Ben Roberts‑Smith has launched a coordinated publicity campaign this week that includes a new clothing label and a long‑form interview on 2GB, amid preparations to fight five counts of war crimes murder charges. The appearance, a 150‑minute interview to be premiered on YouTube, forms part of a broader push that has drawn high‑profile backers and raised questions about the effect of publicity on his legal proceedings.

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